Religious Forum..............???

mkaz said:

Don't Go Buzzard
WOW! This is only my second visit to this site. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed talking to each and everyone of you on my first go around, especially you Buzzard. I am a believer also and I realize we don't all hold the same beliefs. But we should respect each others beliefs. If someone doesn't like whats being said, then back out of the conversation. I think we are all in agreement that we don't want you to go. Your a valuable contributor to the network.

Mary Kaz

I get it now
I am here to learn. read and coment on things to due with colon cancer


michelle

PGLGreg said:

Non-judgmental?
I didn't see any criticisms of Buzzard's religious posts, or of his using "God" with a capital G, or anybody's offering prayers. Buzzard is the one complaining, and now you. Is this you being non-judgmental?

Whoa....
Greg - Perhaps you need to read Buzzard's post in the context of the source of this discussion thread - the question of using a capital letter in referring to God or "Him" was indeed mentioned. And who cares if someone complains? Many of us whine all the time - some of us just need to complain once and awhile. And really, I may be Bob's wife, but I do not read read judgment in his reply to Buzzard - I read more of a plea for tolerance.

To all ~

I think the bigger picture that needs to be seen here is that we need to understand that this is a PUBLIC forum with many different folks with many more different experiences, thoughts, opinions, beliefs, feelings, etc., etc., etc..... Does that mean any of us are right or wrong? I suppose that depends on what side of a discussion you might land, but people are equally entitled to express themselves and equally entitled to be here either way. It's one thing to express your thoughts or disagree with someone, but it's a far different thing to be confrontational, borderline disrespectful, or intolerant.

For me, the most disturbing part of all of the discussions (there are now four or five different threads going now referring to that original post) are this:
- The original post had NOTHING to do with thoughts about God or religion, but was commandeered by someone responding to a fairly innocent comment by another member. The saddest part was the original post was the FIRST of a new member - not exactly putting our best selves forward to someone in need. I feel badly for concernedangel - she deserved far better from all of us. Perhaps that comment that started all of this could have been ignored, handled in a separate post or discussed in private e-mails. The fact that concernedangel didn't get involved speaks highly - I admire her grace and class, especially in light of what she is going through. I do hope she comes back - not for more, but for better.
- Several posts have "called" out, in a very forceful manner, if not downright disrespectful, members who were sharing their opinions, thoughts, feelings, which should be acceptable in a public forum such as this. It's okay to point out a difference of opinion or point of view, but it's not okay to go on a rant and reject other points of view as acceptable.
- That people are considering leaving this group for a discussion about God/religion is disappointing, considering all that people are going through and/or have to offer. I know there is that old saying that we should never talk about sex, politics and religion in polite company, but for goodness sakes, we have freely discussed topics about sex and politics, so why not religion?
- And most of all - the discussions for the last two-three days have been dominated by this conversation, sometimes how it relates to the cancer experience, but then again sometimes not. Isn't this a CANCER support forum? If someone gives and/or receives comfort and support that is faithful or spiritual in nature, isn't it support all the same? Who am I to say how someone offers or receives support is right or wrong? Can we simply appreciate what is freely given and received here and if we don't personally agree, can we just leave it behind like something distasteful at a dinner party?
- And lastly, isn't it MY responsibility in a public forum to take what feeds me and leave the rest for everyone else? Who am I to say what someone else should be allowed to say or give here? I try not be so presumptuous.

I think it's now time to move on, keep encouraging each other, and let it be. As John Lennon said, "Whatever gets you through the night, is alright, is alright...."

tootsie1 said:

Buzz, God loves you, and so do I
Oh, Buzz.

PLEASE don't stop posting. I do love to read your comments, and I would greatly miss you. Please reconsider.

I'm very sorry if people are upset about talk about religion, and I will speak for myself and say that I'm not trying to convert anyone when I say I'm praying for them. It's just a natural thing for me to do, because my faith is who I am. I think you're the same way.

PLEASE, PLEASE keep posting!

*hugs*
Gail

It's been awhile
Although I haven't posted in awhile, I do read the posts just about everyday to see how everyone's doing. As a fellow believer, I'm saddened by what I've just read, as well as the original thread. Fortunately, we all have the right to believe in whatever we choose. I believe in God, the power of prayer and healing. If others don't, it's your own right and choosing, but I think it is extremely unfair for those of you that have taken it upon yourselves to judge or attempt to offend those that do believe in God. I totally agree with SpongeBob's post about "changing the channel on the TV." You couldn't have said it better.

This site has been a tremendous help to me...My mom is fighting for her life right now--stage iv colon cancer and it's been quite a rollercoaster of a ride since 2003. I don't think I could have weathered this storm without God in my life. Shame on the members that posted the offensive comments toward God, but fortunately God is full of grace, mercy, forgiveness and winks at our ignorance.

Over the years, I've received wonderful information, encouragement and support from this site. I pray for all of you daily and will continue to do so; however, I have to say to Buzzard: Don't go! Do not let a couple of people dictate what you can say or offend your beliefs!

emrose said:

Definitely feels like a religious forum!
I don't post often, and I appreciate the supprt I've recieved here. After reading this thread, I don't really feel comfortable here anymore which is too bad. I'll admit that I'm lost and don't really know what to believe, but I am not judgemental and I appreciate everyone's views. I've even prayed for answers and for my husbands health but I just feel some of the comments here were very rude to those who might not agree or simply not feel as strongly.

You know, I'm young and pregnant and terrified about my husbands diagnosis and future. My own body is going through so much, yet the hardest part is sitting by and watching my husband suffer through chemo and not be able to help him. I want us to enjoy my pregnancy together, but it just may not be possible until august when he is done. It's a lot for me to deal with, so I will likely turn here from time to time with questions... Or simply looking for answers. I won't leave, because I need the resources here. But I would like everyone to know that i was offended by some specific things that were said here. I'm sure others were too... But this doesn't necessarily feel like a "safe" place to express any other opinions. To me, alot of what was said here was not just inappropriate - It's also hipocritical. Now - some comments here were kind and respectful - so please know, I'm not talking to everyone - just sharing it general feelings after reading through this.

i have always loved knowing that people who I met here were praying for my husband and I. It's amazing to me and I am grateful, but I simply don't have the same set of beliefs as many of you. And I sure as heck don't feel comfortable saying much else regarding those beliefs. Do what you gotta do.... Believe in whatever you feel strongly about...pray for your friends here... Just be respectful and remember this is a public forum about cancer.

*hugs*
Oh, I do hope you will continue here. I am concerned about your husband and about you. Please keep us posted on how things are going.

*hugs*
Gail

Buzzard, keep the buzz a coming!
I would hate for you to stop sharing with us because one or several are upset about religious references. This is not a place where the tyranny of the minority, those who object to any religious comments ought to rule and disrupt things. Hope they calm down and get over things.Now, if anyone starts in picking on the finest college basketball program, the University of Kansas, well, look out then, them's fighting words! ;-).

Seriously, in the words of Rodney King, can't we all just get along? We all ought to be grateful that others here have support mechanisms to bear up under this horrible cancer. We all can learn from each other.

Buzzard, don't you dare give up the ship!

emrose said:

Definitely feels like a religious forum!
I don't post often, and I appreciate the supprt I've recieved here. After reading this thread, I don't really feel comfortable here anymore which is too bad. I'll admit that I'm lost and don't really know what to believe, but I am not judgemental and I appreciate everyone's views. I've even prayed for answers and for my husbands health but I just feel some of the comments here were very rude to those who might not agree or simply not feel as strongly.

You know, I'm young and pregnant and terrified about my husbands diagnosis and future. My own body is going through so much, yet the hardest part is sitting by and watching my husband suffer through chemo and not be able to help him. I want us to enjoy my pregnancy together, but it just may not be possible until august when he is done. It's a lot for me to deal with, so I will likely turn here from time to time with questions... Or simply looking for answers. I won't leave, because I need the resources here. But I would like everyone to know that i was offended by some specific things that were said here. I'm sure others were too... But this doesn't necessarily feel like a "safe" place to express any other opinions. To me, alot of what was said here was not just inappropriate - It's also hipocritical. Now - some comments here were kind and respectful - so please know, I'm not talking to everyone - just sharing it general feelings after reading through this.

i have always loved knowing that people who I met here were praying for my husband and I. It's amazing to me and I am grateful, but I simply don't have the same set of beliefs as many of you. And I sure as heck don't feel comfortable saying much else regarding those beliefs. Do what you gotta do.... Believe in whatever you feel strongly about...pray for your friends here... Just be respectful and remember this is a public forum about cancer.

Amen to THAT!
I'm sorry to hear about your husbands condition, yet happy to hear you are with child. I think it's wonderful but you (or anyone) did not need the added stress that happened here. Many of us have different beliefs and that's great. I certainly do not have a problem with that, or prayers, or positive energy or however one wants to describe the things we do not understand. It is obvious that this is not a place for opinions unless they have to do with cancer. It's probably best to keep it that way. I think that one has to remember the source of what is said here. I do not think there are any doctors who post here so take all that is said with a grain of salt. I get a lot of satisfaction by helping people on this forum. Being an "old timer" as far as living with cancer goes, I do not think there are many who have been at it for over 5 years so I feel I have some experiences that I can share with others. There are also many things that I have not experienced so I keep quite and may just offer support. I'm glad you are staying, be well with your pregnancy and I hope you get to enjoy your healthy happy baby with your happy healthy husband and your happy healthy YOU.
All the best to you and your hubby and feel free to ask anything, I will help if I can.
-phil
BTW: Trainer, The only ones who got upset are the ones who left (or are lurking waiting to return - timing is everything ain't it bud?). And what is with this "tyranny of the minority, those who object to any religious comments ought to rule and disrupt things" nonsense? Did you even READ the comment that triggered this? Obviously not or you would see that the no one EVER said any of what you, Buzz, or ANY of the others claim. Out of the blue, a member posts how if you do not believe in HIM, we all deserve HELL.
THAT people is what started this whole thing, not a word was mentioned about God, prayer, or anything of that type what so ever. So get your facts straight before you start a lynch mob pal. And BTW, let me know when the Harry Potter book burning is and the next KKK rally. I'll make sure I wash my sheets.

God must be REAL proud of you all. I'm sure there's a special place for each and every one of you, especially the one who preys his herd of sheep.

Shayenne said:

Buzz!
Awwwww Buzzz!!! I would hate it if you left because of some peoples comments, that should make you want to speak about the lord more! they don't like it, they don't have to read it!

You have alot of people that love you here, and I just got out of the hospital, and will soooo need advice now on colostomies, since I now have one, I need your wonderful, inspiring posts to get me through this, and all of us here appreciate you sooo much! please don't leave us

Huggssss!
~Donna

Enough already
I was not going to comment on this "controversy" but it seems that it just won't die. I consider myself a Christian and have no problem with whatever beliefs help people get through the day. However, that is not why I come to this site. I don't go to church to share experiences, questions and concerns about colon cancer. I am not saying that religion must be restricted to church, only to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose ... This is a site devoted to colorectal cancer. It serves a purpose for many people and will be a lesser place if the community shrinks.